The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
The Highlands at Harbor Springs, long known as Boyne Highlands, has a summit at 1,289 feet dropping 544 vertical feet to a base at 745 feet across 55 runs spread over 435 acres near Harbor Springs, Michigan. Terrain splits 36 per cent beginner, 31 per cent advanced, 31 per cent intermediate and 2 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 140 inches. The resort carries Ikon Pass access. Ten lifts, including four quad chairs and four triple chairs, serve the mountain alongside two surface lifts.
The resort holds a notable place in lift history: its original chairlifts, installed in 1963, were the first triple chairlifts anywhere in the world. This engineering milestone reflects the broader innovation culture of Boyne Resorts' founder Everett Kircher, whose company built the property into one of Northern Michigan's premier four-season destinations. Extensive snowmaking and night skiing support consistent conditions across the resort's beginner-to-advanced terrain mix.
The site first opened in 1955 as Harbor Highlands with a single slope and rope tow, but the venture struggled financially and closed. Boyne Resorts, led by founder Everett Kircher, purchased the property in the early 1960s along with an adjoining 2,900 acres to the north, paying off existing creditors and making shareholders whole as part of the deal. The resort reopened as Boyne Highlands in 1963 with 11 trails, five lifts and the Highlands Inn, headlined by the world's first triple chairlifts.
The resort operated as Boyne Highlands for nearly six decades before being renamed The Highlands at Harbor Springs in December 2021. Adult daily tickets run from 85 to 105 US dollars, with season passes from 599 dollars for the Classic Highlands option and Boyne's broader Michigan Gold Pass from 899 dollars. The resort remains part of Boyne Resorts' Michigan portfolio alongside Boyne Mountain.
545ft
Vertical
55
Runs
435 acres
Skiable
12ft
Annual snow
Ikon
Pass
The Terrain
55 runs across 435 acres skiable
The Highlands At Harbor Springs spreads 55 runs across 435 acres skiable of terrain. It leans beginner at 36%, with 20 beginner runs to find your feet and 18 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
55
runs
55 runs across 4 grades
Beginner20 runs · 36%
Intermediate17 runs · 31%
Advanced17 runs · 31%
Expert1 run · 2%
Time it right
When to visit The Highlands At Harbor Springs
The 2025-26 season at The Highlands at Harbor Springs ran from 6 December 2025 to 13 April 2026, a roughly eighteen-week season. Average annual snowfall of around 140 inches, supplemented by extensive snowmaking, supports this operating window across the resort's beginner-to-advanced terrain mix. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most reliable natural conditions to the resort's modest but varied terrain. Night skiing extends the useful ski day for the resort's Northern Michigan visitor base, a significant part of its identity as a four-season destination. As an Ikon Pass property, the resort draws visitors beyond its immediate regional catchment, with weekends and holiday periods bringing heavier crowds.
The resort's Highlands Inn and broader lodging and amenity offerings support year-round tourism to the Harbor Springs area, with skiing as the primary winter draw. School holiday periods bring significant family visitation given the resort's substantial beginner-weighted terrain. The December 2021 rebrand to The Highlands at Harbor Springs has been accompanied by continued investment from parent company Boyne Resorts.
Specific event programming beyond standard lift operations is not confirmed in available resort information. The resort's status as home to the world's first triple chairlift, installed in 1963, remains a point of historical distinction referenced throughout its marketing and identity. Its Ikon Pass access continues to bring a broader mix of destination and regional visitors through the season.
Season 2025 - 2026
6 Dec 2025
Opens
13 Apr 2026
Closes
128
Days open
12 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to The Highlands At Harbor Springs, and where to stay
The Highlands at Harbor Springs sits near Harbor Springs in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, with a base elevation of 745 feet and a summit at 1,289 feet across a 544-foot vertical drop over 435 acres. This is a popular Northern Michigan resort region known for its lakeside towns and four-season tourism.
Harbor Springs itself is a well-known lakeside town on Lake Michigan's Little Traverse Bay, offering upscale lodging, dining and shopping alongside the resort's own on-site facilities. The broader region, including nearby Petoskey, draws visitors year-round for its combination of lake recreation, golf and skiing. Boyne Mountain, the resort's sister property under Boyne Resorts, sits a short distance to the south.
US Route 31 and state highways connect Harbor Springs to the broader Northern Michigan road network, with the resort a short drive from the town centre. Winter driving conditions in the region can include lake-effect snow and ice, though the well-travelled routes around Harbor Springs and Petoskey are regularly maintained. There is no direct public transport service to the resort.
Pellston Regional Airport offers limited commercial service nearby, while Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City and airports in Detroit and Grand Rapids provide more extensive flight options for visitors travelling from further afield. Most visitors drive to the resort from within Michigan or neighbouring Midwest states rather than flying directly into the immediate area.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near The Highlands At Harbor Springs, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
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31 Aug 2026
The Highlands At Harbor Springs Lift Tickets
The Highlands At Harbor Springs lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at The Highlands At Harbor Springs closed on Apr 13, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$35, with peak rates up to US$105.
Ikon9 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 18–69
Adult Daily Lift Ticket
US$85up to US$105 peak
Full-day access to The Highlands at Harbor Springs featuring 55 trails across 435 acres. Dynamic pricing from $85 weekdays to $105 Saturdays. Includes Michigan's longest ski run and night skiing when available. Ikon Pass destination with 552-foot vertical drop.
Buy passYouth 6–17
Youth Daily Lift Ticket
US$65up to US$79 peak
Youth access to all 55 trails at The Highlands Harbor Springs with pricing from $65-79 depending on day. Features terrain for all levels across 435 skiable acres. Access to terrain parks and the longest run in lower Michigan at 1.25 miles.
Buy passSenior 70–99
Senior Daily Lift Ticket
US$75up to US$89 peak
Discounted senior pricing at The Highlands for ages 70+. Around $75 weekdays and $89 weekends for full access to 10 lifts and 55 trails. Located in charming Harbor Springs with views of Little Traverse Bay.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 18–69
Night Skiing Ticket
US$55
Special night skiing at The Highlands from 5-9pm on select evenings. 150 acres available for night skiing with spectacular views. Adult night tickets around $55, youth $35. Experience Harbor Springs skiing under the lights.
Buy passYouth 6–17
Youth Night Skiing Ticket
US$35
Youth night skiing access at The Highlands Harbor Springs from 5-9pm. Special youth pricing for evening skiing with access to lit terrain and terrain parks. Great value for families staying in northern Michigan.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 18–69
Lake eFlex Pass (2-5 Days)
US$320up to US$480 peak
Flexible ticket pack for 2-5 non-consecutive days at The Highlands. Choose your ski days throughout the season for ultimate flexibility. Perfect for families needing scheduling options at this Harbor Springs resort.
Buy passAdult 18–69
Family Flex Pack
US$580up to US$780 peak
Family ticket pack including 2-5 non-consecutive days for 2 adults and 2 children at The Highlands. Additional children can be added at discounted rates. Flexible scheduling for busy families visiting Harbor Springs.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 26–64
Classic Highlands Season Pass
US$599up to US$799 peak
Local favorite season pass for The Highlands only with Sunday-Friday access. Exclusive benefits for the Harbor Springs skiing community. No holiday access but includes all weekday and Sunday skiing at Michigan's premier Ikon destination.
Buy passAdult 26–64
Boyne Michigan Gold Pass
US$899up to US$1,199 peak
Unlimited access to both The Highlands and Boyne Mountain all season with no blackout dates. Premium season pass for Michigan skiing featuring access to 115+ combined trails across two premier northern Michigan destinations.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a The Highlands At Harbor Springs day pass cost?
The Highlands At Harbor Springs day passes range from US$35 to US$105 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy The Highlands At Harbor Springs lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a The Highlands At Harbor Springs lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at The Highlands At Harbor Springs, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between The Highlands At Harbor Springs lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at The Highlands At Harbor Springs - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy The Highlands At Harbor Springs lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does The Highlands At Harbor Springs offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact The Highlands At Harbor Springs directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at The Highlands At Harbor Springs.
More The Highlands At Harbor Springs intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.